My hair had dried into waves I was getting used to since I hadn’t seen a hairdryer since I’d arrived. It helped that I’d wound my locks into a low bun while it dried. Being in the sun every day, the copper tones had really lightened and caught the light as I separated the waves. I applied some light make up, focusing mostly on my eyes. The tan I’d built up over the last few weeks negated the need for much else. I slipped the dress over a black bra and panties, put on some dangly earrings that sparkled, and my black flip flops. It would have to do. I grabbed my small cross body purse, lip gloss, phone, and some money and left my cabin to go say goodnight to Dauphine before I left, only to bump right into her and Xavier coming down the stairs.

My cheeks throbbed as I was once again swamped with embarrassed heat. I couldn’t look at him, so I dropped my gaze to Dauphine, and then bent to her level. “Bonne nuit, my little mermaid,” I said and kissed her cheek as I felt the weight of her father’s gaze on me. “Sweet dreams.”

“I am going to see mémé tomorrow!” she crowed. “I must pack my clothes. And then you can read to me too later, after Papa?”

My heart squeezed. God, I’d miss her! I shook my head. “I’m going out with Andrea.”

“Where are you going?” Xavier’s harsh tone jerked my face up to meet his gaze.

“I have no idea.” I telegraphed don’t-fuck-with-me vibes as hard as I could.

His jaw flexed. “Be safe.”

I narrowed my eyes. Like he cared. “I think I’d like to have a few drinks and … dance,” I goaded. “Is that safe?”

His nostrils flared briefly. But he tamped down whatever he’d been about to say. He gave a curt nod that seemed like he’d rather do anything but agree with me.

“You look so beautiful,” said Dauphine. “Doesn’t she look pretty, Papa?”

I smiled down at her. “Thank you.”

“Oui,” came her father’s gruff voice.

I glanced back to him, my smile fading as his eyes seared into mine briefly.

I blinked.

“Excuse us,” he ground out and urged Dauphine forward. I flattened myself to the wall as he passed me, my eyes closed, and allowed myself a last surreptitious inhale. Wood. Man. Amazing that this condescending, control freak of a man could still make my lady parts do a tap dance. Even with my eyes closed, my body could feel the moment he was safely past me. I wondered how cell-deep awareness this strong could be one-sided. And I wondered if I’d ever experience it again in the rest of my life. My analytical brain couldn’t make sense of it.

I turned and hurried up the stairs without a look back.